Page 27 of Keeping Denver

"Why don't you go first. I'll wait a minute then come in behind you."

Callan grinds his jaw and refuses to let go of my hand. "No. We will walk in together."

Not wanting to rehash the same discussion, I relent and allow Callan to help me from the car, leading me inside the building. When we pass the security desk, the guard nods. "Mr. Hawk, Miss Hollis."

The elevator ride up, I can't stop fidgeting. Callan squeezes my hand. "You're worried about nothing."

"Am I? The moment we step off the elevator, everyone will see us together. They will see the new clothes I'm wearing and the ten thousand-dollar handbag on my arm. I know what they will all think, Callan."

"I told you yesterday I don't give a fuck what people think. If any of them have the nerve to open their mouths, I'll fire their asses."

Callan turns to me and cups my face. "This thing between us is happening. I'm not hiding, and neither will you." He kisses my lips, and just like that, I'm melting into him.

Stepping off the elevator, the first person we run into is Kelly, who is already sitting at her desk. She looks at our joined hands then up at my face. She doesn't openly sneer at me because she wouldn't do such a thing in front of Callan. Especially since he handed her ass to her yesterday, I have no doubt she will give me hell the first chance Callan is out of earshot, but that doesn't stop me from giving her my best, 'he's mine' look while offering her a smug smile.

"I knew it!" Is France's response when Callan drops me off at my desk a few seconds later.

"Frances," Callan tries to cut her off; only she doesn't listen.

"Although, I told Richard it would take you at least another two weeks before you broke." Frances beams and it's Callan's turn to roll his eyes.

"Who's Richard?" I ask.

"Richard is my husband," Frances supplies.

"He and I had a bet going on how long it would take Callan to accept he was smitten with you."

"I'll be in my office," Callan says, ignoring Frances, but doesn't hide his amusement.

"Coffee, Miss Hollis," he calls out just before shutting his door. At least some things haven't changed.

The morning passes without incident. It turns out I was worked up for nothing, and worried how people would treat me after word got around the office about the boss and me. Everyone I encountered acted as if it was just another day. All except Lucas, who gave me a knowing smirk when I ran into him while fixing Callan some coffee. As for Kelly, she has been surprisingly pleasant as well. She has even gone as far as to throw a couple smiles my way. I don't trust Kelly as far as I can throw her, and intend on growing a pair of eyes in the back of my head when it comes to her.

Callan and I missed our lunch together due to the fact he had court at 11:30. I accepted Frances's invitation to eat with her instead. "Are you going to spill and tell me what happened between you and Callan?" Frances grills the moment we sit down at the deli in the lobby. "Was it when he made you stay late the other night? I knew he was using it as a ruse to spend more time with you. He couldn't have been more obvious. Did he confess his feeling then?"

I swallow the bite of the turkey club I have in my mouth. "Not exactly." I wring my hands in my lap. "We fought when I declined his offer to give me a ride home." Frances looks at me with bewilderment. I continue, "I didn't want him to give me a ride because I didn't want him to know I was homeless and staying in a shelter."

"Oh, Denver. Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped."

"I know you would have helped, Frances. But I was too ashamed."

"Being homeless is nothing to be ashamed of, dear."

"It's not just that. I'm used to being on my own. Have been my whole life. I guess I've gotten used to not being able to depend on other people." I pause a moment thinking about Callan. "Callan is showing me I can trust people; I can let them help. He's been amazing to me."

"I'm happy he can be that person for you, Denver. Callan is one of the best men I know." I let her words settle with me as we finish our meal, and she doesn't pry into my personal business any further.

Arriving back at the office after lunch, I notice the door to Callan's office is closed. He must be back from court. Anxious to see how things went with Mrs. Dennis, I knock on the door twice before opening it. "Hey, Callan. I wanted to see…" I don't finish my sentence because what I see in front of me causes my words to catch in my throat. Joslyn currently has her arms wrapped around Callan's neck, their lips fused in a kiss. My heart feels like it has been ripped from my chest. All I can do is stand there, frozen in place. Callan makes eye contact with me just before I turn and run. I don't make it three feet past my desk before an arm snakes around my waist, and I pulled back against a hard chest. "Let me go," I croak, trying to push out of Callan's hold.

Callan pulls me closer, his mouth pressed against my ear. "Never."

Through my blurred vision, I catch sight of the security guard, making his way toward us. Callan barks, "Please escort Joslyn from the building and make sure she is not allowed back in. If she tries, have her arrested."

"Are you seriously having me kicked out, Callan?"

"Yes. I warned you the last time you were here not to come back."

"Why? Because of your little pet mouse?" Joslyn scoffs.